Material is the third studio album by American electronica band Blaqk Audio, consisting of Davey Havok and Jade Puget of AFI. it was released on April 15, 2016[1] under Blaqknoise/Kobalt Records.[2] The first single from the album, "Anointed", was released on January 26 for streaming through SoundCloud[3] and through digital retailers on February 19.
| Material | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 15, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 43:18 | |||
| Label | Blaqknoise/Kobalt Records | |||
| Blaqk Audio chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Material | ||||
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Background
editMaterial for the album was written throughout 2014 and was recorded in 2015. Material was originally planned for a release in 2015.[4] Havok has said that the album is lyrically "darker than our records of the past." Music sequencer Ableton Live was used in production of the album.[2]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [5] |
| Rock Sound | 7/10[6] |
| Rolling Stone Australia | [7] |
The album received generally positive reviews from mainstream critics. Neil Yeung, from AllMusic, gave a positive review: "Since their debut in 2007, Blaqk Audio – the electronic outlet for AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget – have toyed with the dance sounds and dark tones of new wave".[5] Tomas Doyle, from Rock Sound, also gave a positive review, stating that "the skill and ease of songwriting the duo bring to the table is a delight".[6]
Writing for Rolling Stone, Sally McMullen gave the album a mixed-to-positive review, saying,
The record embodies a seamless fluidity as energetic electro masks some of the more forlorn lyrics on the likes of "I'm a Mess" and "You Will Hate Me". There's a hint of familiarity as Havok's clean vocals soar on "First to Love" and the title track, but the absence of his signature scratchy growl can be unnerving.[7]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Waiting to Be Told" | 3:46 |
| 2. | "First to Love" | 3:43 |
| 3. | "Ceremonial (Burst into Stars)" | 4:29 |
| 4. | "Anointed" | 4:27 |
| 5. | "To Be Alone" | 3:22 |
| 6. | "Black at the Center" | 3:45 |
| 7. | "Curious Friends" | 4:53 |
| 8. | "Graphic Violence" | 4:14 |
| 9. | "I'm a Mess" | 3:39 |
| 10. | "Material" | 3:13 |
| 11. | "You Will Hate Me" | 3:48 |
| Total length: | 43:18 | |
Personnel
edit- Davey Havok – lead vocals, primary lyricist, production
- Jade Puget – keyboards, synthesizer, programming, backing vocals, primary composer, production
Charts
edit| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums[8] | 1 |
| US Billboard Top Rock Albums[8] | 31 |
| US Billboard Top Alternative Albums[8] | 21 |
References
edit- ^ "Material by Blaqk Audio on iTunes". Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ a b "AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget Return With Blaqk Audio; New Album 'Material' Drops April 15th". Iconvsicon. 19 February 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ "Anointed by Blaqk Audio". Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ Mendoza, Brent X (28 January 2015). "Davey Havok Storms the Sunset Strip With New Project XTRMST". The Sunset Strip. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ a b Yeung, Neil. "Material – Blaqk Audio". AllMusic.
- ^ a b Tomas, Doyle. "BLAQK AUDIO – 'MATERIAL'". Rock Sound.
- ^ a b McMullen, Sally. "Blaqk Audio – Material". Rolling Stone Australia.
- ^ a b c "Blaqk Audio". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2011.